Born out of a desire to re-evaluate the influence of streaming platforms on music consumption, Pause, Play began as an archival space for the ‘Listening Beyond the Algorithm’ project.
The project examines how streaming giants control what we hear, how we hear it, and ultimately, how we bond with music, through tools such as algorithmic curation, infinite ‘bande son’ and corporate-approved playlists. By challenging the dominance of these systems, this iniative invites us to reclaim agency in our music consumption.
In an era where music is instantly accessible yet often disposable, Listening beyond the Algorithm asks: what happens when we engage with music more deliberately, outside of the digital realm, or by using supposedly outdated listening tools. How do personal recommendations, memory, and physical media change the way we listen?
By moving away from the frictionless ease of streaming, this project aims to fosters intentional discovery, whether through mixtapes, conversations, or other alternative formats of sharing.
Through a workshop and a resource hub, Listening beyond the Algorithm encourages dialogue around the way we consume and value music today. It is not anti-technology but rather, a critical response to the ways in which digital infrastructures mediate our experiences.
The goal is not to reject streaming entirely, but to question its effects and imagine a more human, and perhaps material approach to music discovery—one rooted in geniune curiosity, storytelling, and friction.
Whether you’re here to listen to the latest mixtapes, browse digging tips, or escape the algorithmic noise, I hope that you enjoy your time on Pause, Play.